Public
Accredited · Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Camden, New Jersey
77.8% Acceptance Rate
Rutgers University-Camden — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
77.8%Acceptance Rate
3.23Avg GPA
1118Avg SAT
22Avg ACT
$33,812Annual Cost
$74,479Grad Salary
44.3%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
77.8%
Avg GPA
3.23
Avg SAT
1118
Avg ACT
22
Selectivity
Inclusive
Institution Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
SAT Middle 50%
1010–1255
ACT Middle 50%
18–26
Avg Net Price
$18,803
Need-Based Aid
44.3% receive Pell
Rutgers University-Camden, part of the Rutgers system since 1950, is a public research university located in southern New Jersey's Delaware River waterfront. Rutgers-Camden offers 40+ undergraduate programs with strengths in nursing, business, and law, maintaining a 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio. The campus features modern facilities like the Nursing and Science Building and the Writers House, along with the Rutgers Law School shared with neighboring Rutgers-Newark. The university is classified as a 'Doctoral University: High Research Activity' with particular expertise in civic engagement and public policy.
Rutgers-Camden's urban location provides internship opportunities in Philadelphia and throughout the Delaware Valley. The Scarlet Raptors compete in NCAA Division III athletics. The campus's Center for Urban Research and Education addresses urban challenges, while its Walt Whitman Center celebrates the poet's Camden connections. Rutgers-Camden's community partnerships include the LEAP Academy University Charter School and the Senator Walter Rand Institute for Public Affairs.
Rutgers University-Camden Acceptance Rate
Admission at Rutgers University-Camden is inclusive by design: 77.8% of applicants who meet basic eligibility are accepted.
What to Expect
- Eligibility First: A high school diploma or GED typically clears the main bar.
- Plan Ahead for Placement: Placement tests can shape which courses you start in — worth preparing for.
Selectivity at a Glance
Inclusive
Selectivity scale: Inclusive — 77.8% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
Recommended Academic Profile
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.23 – 4.00
Target Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.03 – 3.22
Competitive Reach
Focus on Score Compensation
Below 2.78
Secondary Reach
Requires Contextual Support
Source: IPEDS & College Scorecard (Nov 2025).
Rutgers University-Camden Application Deadlines & Admission Dates 2026
Mark November 1 for Rutgers University-Camden (Early Action — other plans are listed below), with decisions typically out by January 31.
Key Admission Dates
Early Action
November 1
Decision by: January 31
Regular Decision
December 1
Decision by: February 28
💡 The scholarship deadline (In-state: 2026/12/01; Out-of-state: 2026/12/01) often falls before the regular admission deadline. Submit your application and FAFSA early to be considered for maximum aid.
Deadlines are verified from official institutional sources but may change each cycle. Always confirm final dates on the official website.
Rutgers GPA Requirement
The average GPA of admitted students at Rutgers is 3.23. That makes admissions here competitive, but not extremely selective. Most admitted students carry a mix of A's and B's.
In the 2.93–3.23 range, a high SAT or ACT score still carries real weight.
Note the scale: this figure reflects an unweighted 4.0 GPA. Add AP or IB coursework and the equivalent weighted GPA usually lands around 3.43–3.63.Rutgers GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Admission here leans heavily on holistic review.
Recommended Strategy: Leans on context — leadership, personal circumstances, or a standout talent.
This range is a rough map — where you land determines what else needs to carry weight in your application:
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.23 – 4.00
Strategic Reach
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.03 – 3.22
Competitive Match
Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation
2.83 – 3.02
Secondary Reach
Personal Statement & Impact
Below 2.82
Institutional Reach
Requires Significant Contextual Factors
Evaluation Metrics That Matter Here
- Honors College is invitation-based, small-scale, with dedicated assistant deans and an "Engagement Requirement" for community/campus service each term.
- Students can decline the Honors invitation without losing scholarships; more than 80% who accept complete the program.
- Rising sophomores/transfers can apply to Honors between April 1 and July 1.
- Home to Rutgers Law School; located directly across the Delaware River from Philadelphia.
- Rigor Over Raw Number: Course rigor is read alongside the number itself — a 3.8 with a demanding schedule can beat a 4.0 without one.
- Trajectory Matters: Grades that climb toward graduation tend to matter more than a flat average — the trajectory tells its own story.
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Check Your Admission Chances at Rutgers
Admission Chance Predictor
Built from Rutgers University-Camden's own verified admissions data — adjust the sliders below
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Calculating Profile...
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Your SAT Score 1200
Your Unweighted GPA 3.00
✅ Verified Data: Institutional records for 2026.
Calculated via College Portal's Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards. Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
Rutgers University-Camden (Rutgers) Test Requirements
Scores aren't just a formality at Rutgers — landing within or above the 2026 admitted class's middle 50% keeps you fully competitive, even where submission is optional.
Can I Get Into Rutgers Without SAT or ACT?
Rutgers considers scores when submitted, without requiring them. Prepare well and submit your best attempt — most applicants test 2–3 times.
Rutgers University-Camden Average SAT Score: 1118
Admitted students at Rutgers University-Camden average a 1118 SAT (out of 1600).
SAT Competitiveness
SAT 1118 — Less Competitive
A 1118 average leaves meaningful room above it for a competitive application.
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (1255 SAT or 26 ACT) to stand out. Below average? Rutgers University-Camden allows Score Choice for the SAT, so a retake only helps — a low sitting never has to be sent.
Scored under 1010? A retake is worth it at Rutgers — two or three sittings is standard for competitive applicants, and there's no cap on how many times you can test.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 565 | 500 | 630 |
| SAT Reading | 568 | 510 | 625 |
| SAT Composite | 1118 | 1010 | 1255 |
A score under 1010 puts you in the lower quarter of admits; 1255+ puts you ahead of three-quarters of the admitted class. (These percentiles mark where a given share of the admitted class scored at or below.)
View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1100
Can I get into Rutgers University-Camden (Rutgers) with a 1250 SAT?
At 1250, your SAT is squarely in Rutgers's favor. That said, admissions staff read the full file — GPA, activities, and essays still carry real weight even with a strong score in hand.
Rutgers University-Camden (Rutgers) ACT Requirements
Rutgers's admitted students average an ACT of 22.
ACT Competitiveness
ACT 22 — Slightly Competitive
An average of 22 tracks near the middle of the national distribution.
ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 21 | 16 | 26 |
| ACT English | 22 | 16 | 27 |
| ACT Composite | 22 | 18 | 26 |
Can I get into Rutgers University-Camden with a 26 ACT?
At 26, you're in the top quarter of Rutgers's admitted class by ACT score. That's a real advantage, but admissions still reads GPA, essays, and activities alongside it.
The ACT's four sections — English, Math, Reading, Science — are each scored independently on a 1–36 scale, and admissions staff do notice a lopsided breakdown. If one section trails the others significantly, that's worth addressing before you apply, particularly for STEM programs where Science carries extra weight.
Beyond the number itself, Rutgers weighs your transcript rigor, activities, recommendations, and essays just as heavily — the ACT opens the door, the rest of your file decides what happens next.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for Rutgers
Accessible Strategy: Academic Foundation
Rutgers takes a broad view of applicants. Your energy is best spent proving readiness for coursework and maximizing your financial aid package.
Understand Camden's Honors College is separate from New Brunswick's
Camden runs its own smaller, invitation-based Honors College headquartered at 319 Cooper St., distinct in structure from New Brunswick's six-school Honors College. Don't apply guidance from one campus's Honors program to the other.
Know declining Honors doesn't cost the scholarship
Students admitted to Rutgers-Camden may decline the Honors College invitation without losing any scholarship funding. This lowers the stakes of the decision - a hesitant student can accept admission first and decide on Honors participation separately.
Consider the rising-sophomore/transfer entry window
Students who didn't enter Honors as first-years can apply between April 1 and July 1 as rising sophomores or transfers, reviewed each July. This is a real second chance, not commonly advertised.
Leverage the Philadelphia-adjacent location for law/business interests
Camden hosts Rutgers Law School and sits directly across the Delaware River from Philadelphia - a student interested in law, business, or urban policy should name this specific geographic advantage in an essay or interview.
Expert Insight:
Because Rutgers-Camden shares a name and system with the much larger New Brunswick campus, families sometimes assume identical admissions processes, Honors structure, or campus culture. Camden's small-campus, invitation-based Honors model and its distinct urban/Philadelphia-adjacent identity are genuinely different and should be researched separately.
Rutgers Profile
Full Name
Rutgers University-Camden (Rutgers)
City
Camden
State
New Jersey
ZIP Code
8102
Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSACHE)
Is a Rutgers Degree Worth It?
Whether Rutgers is worth it depends less on its reputation and more on your program choice, financial aid package, and career goals — here's the data to weigh it against.
Admitted students' families report a median household income around $82,700, and graduates see a 3.53% unemployment rate.
How much does a degree from Rutgers Cost?
Listed tuition runs $33,812/year at Rutgers; factor in Pell and federal grant aid and most students land closer to $18,803.
At Rutgers, 44.3% receive a Pell Grant and 48.6% carry federal loans. Filing FAFSA early and naming Rutgers on it improves your shot at both.
How much does a Rutgers Graduate earn?
Ten years out from enrollment, Rutgers graduates report a median income of $74,479, about 83% above the U.S. median graduate income.
Compare Similar Colleges
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than Rutgers University-Camden. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Auburn University at Montgomery | Montgomery, AL | 1090 | 21 |
| Spring Hill College | Mobile, AL | 1090 | 22 |
| Troy University | Troy, AL | 1086 | 22 |
| Grand Canyon University | Phoenix, AZ | 1095 | 22 |
| University of the Ozarks | Clarksville, AR | 1088 | 21 |
| Pacific Union College | Angwin, CA | 1093 | 22 |
| Fort Lewis College | Durango, CO | 1084 | 20 |
| Colorado Mesa University | Grand Junction, CO | 1070 | 23 |
| University of Northern Colorado | Greeley, CO | 1077 | 22 |
| Central Connecticut State University | New Britain, CT | 1091 | 24 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as Rutgers University-Camden. If your SAT or ACT score is competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of South Alabama | Mobile, AL | 1119 | 23 |
| Tuskegee University | Tuskegee, AL | 1121 | 22 |
| Arkansas State University | Jonesboro, AR | 1119 | 22 |
| University of Central Arkansas | Conway, AR | 1117 | 22 |
| University of La Verne | La Verne, CA | 1116 | 22 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Rutgers University-Camden. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Birmingham-Southern College | Birmingham, AL | 1197 | 24 |
| Huntingdon College | Montgomery, AL | 1148 | 23 |
| University of Arkansas | Fayetteville, AR | 1174 | 25 |
| Harding University | Searcy, AR | 1187 | 25 |
| Azusa Pacific University | Azusa, CA | 1155 | 22 |
Degree Programs at Rutgers
Bachelor Degree Programs
Frequently Asked Questions About Rutgers Admissions
Rutgers University-Camden graduates earn a moderate median salary of $74,479/year, with some variation by field.
Tuition at Rutgers University-Camden is moderate, around $33,812/year; many students supplement with aid.
44.3% of Rutgers University-Camden students get a Pell Grant. Your odds depend mostly on household income — filing FAFSA early still helps maximize what you're offered.
Rutgers University-Camden's acceptance rate is 77.8%, comparatively higher than most selective universities — admission is more attainable here.
The average GPA of admitted Rutgers University-Camden students is 3.23, reflecting a competitive applicant pool.
There's no strict cutoff, but a GPA at or above 2.93 puts you in the standard applicant pool at Rutgers University-Camden. Below that, your essays and recommendations need to work harder to provide context.
A GPA of 2.83 or below makes admission tougher at Rutgers University-Camden, but strong test scores, activities, and essays — plus AP/IB coursework — can still keep you in contention.
Rutgers University-Camden weighs the SAT heavily. Scoring above 1118, and within the 1010–1255 range, keeps you competitive.
Rutgers University-Camden's deadline is November 1 (Early Action), with decisions out by January 31.
Rutgers University-Camden charges an application fee of 70; ask admissions about waiver eligibility if cost is a barrier.
For priority financial aid consideration, get your FAFSA in before In-state: 2026/12/01; Out-of-state: 2026/12/01 — that's Rutgers University-Camden's scholarship priority date.
Transferring in is a well-trodden path here. Line up your transcripts, recommendations, and a strong personal statement before applying.
The biggest levers are academic performance, a clear extracurricular focus, and essays that stand out — plus a solid test score where the school considers one.
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